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Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie - Tell Someone - Close The Deal

August 14, 2025 | S25 E194 | 27:40

Greg Laurie - Tell Someone - Close The Deal
Join Pastor Greg Laurie for a time of encouragement, worship, and Bible study.
#inActive #Gospel #Ministry #Witness/Witnessing #Evangelism #Fear #Persecution #Rejection #Faith #TrustGod #Failure #Calling #Purpose #Commission

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Show Timecode
Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie | Greg Laurie - Tell Someone - Close The Deal | August 14, 2025
  • ...
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  • Greg laurie: welcome to "harvest" with greg laurie.
  • 00:00:01.801 --> 00:00:03.837
  • This tv show is all about helping you get to know god
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  • Better because god loves you, and god has a plan for you,
  • 00:00:08.274 --> 00:00:11.811
  • And god wants to transform your life.
  • 00:00:11.945 --> 00:00:12.612
  • And he's told us everything you need to know about him
  • 00:00:14.381 --> 00:00:17.484
  • And life in general in this book, the bible,
  • 00:00:17.484 --> 00:00:20.620
  • The user's manual of life.
  • 00:00:20.620 --> 00:00:23.156
  • So we're gonna be talking about what the bible says
  • 00:00:23.156 --> 00:00:25.725
  • And what god wants to do in your life.
  • 00:00:25.725 --> 00:00:28.461
  • Again, welcome and god bless you.
  • 00:00:28.461 --> 00:00:30.930
  • ♪ this is the day, the day when life begins. ♪
  • 00:00:32.065 --> 00:00:37.203
  • ♪ this is the day, the day when life begins. ♪♪
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  • Greg: god has put his people in the culture to influence it,
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  • To make a difference.
  • 00:00:56.623 --> 00:01:00.293
  • God is not calling us as believers to isolate, but rather
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  • To infiltrate, to influence.
  • 00:01:05.698 --> 00:01:08.568
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:08.568 --> 00:01:20.413
  • Greg: go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
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  • Baptizing them in the name of the father and the son and the
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  • Holy spirit, teaching them to observe, "all things that i have
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  • Commanded you and lo am with you even to the end of the age."
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Greg: it's cold out.
  • 00:01:46.039 --> 00:01:49.709
  • Cathe laurie: what are you gonna have?
  • 00:01:49.709 --> 00:01:51.144
  • Greg: breakfast at ruby's.
  • 00:01:51.144 --> 00:01:53.146
  • I'm going to have my favorite liver and eggs.
  • 00:01:53.146 --> 00:01:57.383
  • Cathe: yeah, right.
  • 00:01:57.383 --> 00:01:58.785
  • Seriously, what are you gonna have?
  • 00:01:58.785 --> 00:02:00.420
  • I'll split with you if you want. you want to split?
  • 00:02:00.420 --> 00:02:03.022
  • Greg: how did you know i wanted black coffee?
  • 00:02:03.022 --> 00:02:04.357
  • Perfect.
  • 00:02:04.357 --> 00:02:06.693
  • Male: anything for you, ma'am?
  • 00:02:06.693 --> 00:02:08.061
  • Cathe: sure, i'll have a black coffee too.
  • 00:02:08.061 --> 00:02:10.964
  • Greg: actually, we're ready to order when you are.
  • 00:02:10.964 --> 00:02:13.032
  • Male: i'm ready. greg: go ahead.
  • 00:02:13.032 --> 00:02:15.335
  • Cathe: i'll just have some of yours, if that's okay.
  • 00:02:15.335 --> 00:02:17.103
  • You want to split?
  • 00:02:17.103 --> 00:02:18.505
  • Greg: not so much.
  • 00:02:18.505 --> 00:02:20.306
  • Why don't i just get you your own?
  • 00:02:20.306 --> 00:02:22.175
  • Cathe: i don't--i just want a bit.
  • 00:02:22.175 --> 00:02:23.643
  • I'll just have your toast. how's that?
  • 00:02:23.643 --> 00:02:25.712
  • Greg: you always say, "i want to bite this, and more bites
  • 00:02:25.712 --> 00:02:27.313
  • And more bites and more bites.
  • 00:02:27.313 --> 00:02:30.717
  • Cathe: you order whatever you're gonna get.
  • 00:02:30.717 --> 00:02:33.353
  • Greg: okay.
  • 00:02:33.353 --> 00:02:34.821
  • I would like a cheddar cheese, spinach, and bacon omelet.
  • 00:02:34.821 --> 00:02:41.361
  • Is that okay? can you do that?
  • 00:02:41.361 --> 00:02:43.396
  • Male: sure. and what kind of toast?
  • 00:02:43.396 --> 00:02:46.199
  • Greg: what do you want? cathe: i'll have sourdough.
  • 00:02:46.199 --> 00:02:48.835
  • Male: okay. i'll be right back.
  • 00:02:48.835 --> 00:02:50.904
  • Greg: thank you very much.
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  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:02:52.972 --> 00:02:58.811
  • Greg: do you remember it was in a restaurant when i kind of
  • 00:02:58.878 --> 00:03:03.816
  • Proposed to you?
  • 00:03:03.816 --> 00:03:05.185
  • Cathe: i don't think you ever proposed to me, did you?
  • 00:03:05.185 --> 00:03:08.087
  • It was just sort of a conversation in a car.
  • 00:03:08.087 --> 00:03:11.024
  • Greg: in a car? no, it was in a restaurant.
  • 00:03:11.024 --> 00:03:13.726
  • Cathe: no, we went to summer camp together, and you said,
  • 00:03:13.726 --> 00:03:17.630
  • "so i guess we're getting married.
  • 00:03:17.630 --> 00:03:19.432
  • You better tell your parents."
  • 00:03:19.432 --> 00:03:20.900
  • That was it.
  • 00:03:20.900 --> 00:03:22.435
  • Greg: as i remember, it was, "so i guess we're
  • 00:03:22.435 --> 00:03:24.437
  • Getting married, huh?"
  • 00:03:24.437 --> 00:03:26.206
  • You didn't think that was romantic?
  • 00:03:26.206 --> 00:03:27.974
  • Cathe: no.
  • 00:03:27.974 --> 00:03:29.309
  • I do remember that the ring you gave me was secondhand from
  • 00:03:29.309 --> 00:03:33.346
  • A guy who proposed to a girl, and she turned him down.
  • 00:03:33.346 --> 00:03:35.782
  • Greg: we were poverty stricken then.
  • 00:03:35.782 --> 00:03:37.650
  • So it worked out in my benefit.
  • 00:03:37.650 --> 00:03:39.419
  • So he said, "i proposed to this girl, she turned me down."
  • 00:03:39.419 --> 00:03:41.721
  • And i said, "so what are you gonna be doing with that ring?
  • 00:03:41.721 --> 00:03:44.224
  • Could i buy the ring off you?"
  • 00:03:44.224 --> 00:03:46.626
  • Cathe: yeah, and you got a good deal.
  • 00:03:46.626 --> 00:03:48.928
  • Greg: 150 bucks. cathe: i can remember that.
  • 00:03:48.928 --> 00:03:51.264
  • Greg: and you wore that ring for many years.
  • 00:03:51.264 --> 00:03:52.599
  • Cathe: yes, i still have it.
  • 00:03:52.599 --> 00:03:53.933
  • Greg: you know, here's the thing.
  • 00:03:53.933 --> 00:03:55.268
  • It seems to me that that's a lot like when it comes to that
  • 00:03:55.268 --> 00:03:57.971
  • Moment where we're sharing our faith and we want to sort of pop
  • 00:03:57.971 --> 00:04:00.640
  • The question, people get really tense.
  • 00:04:00.640 --> 00:04:04.444
  • It's like they're afraid to ask.
  • 00:04:04.444 --> 00:04:06.846
  • Well, why do you think people are afraid to ask a non
  • 00:04:06.846 --> 00:04:09.649
  • Believer, after they've been sharing the gospel with them,
  • 00:04:09.649 --> 00:04:11.784
  • "would you like to accept jesus christ right now?"
  • 00:04:11.784 --> 00:04:14.387
  • Cathe: i know part of the time it's just, i feel like
  • 00:04:14.387 --> 00:04:17.090
  • Maybe i'm pressuring, and i don't like to feel
  • 00:04:17.090 --> 00:04:19.892
  • Like i'm doing that.
  • 00:04:19.892 --> 00:04:21.527
  • But i've watched you just follow up with that question, "is there
  • 00:04:21.527 --> 00:04:26.299
  • Any reason why you haven't asked jesus to come into your life?"
  • 00:04:26.299 --> 00:04:29.802
  • You've done it many times.
  • 00:04:29.802 --> 00:04:31.704
  • I've watched you with your mom, and i've watched you with just
  • 00:04:31.704 --> 00:04:34.741
  • People that you meet in the store, wherever you're talking.
  • 00:04:34.741 --> 00:04:37.877
  • It just seems that it's more on your radar.
  • 00:04:37.877 --> 00:04:39.545
  • You just seem to have that gift, i'll say.
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  • Greg: i think anyone can do that.
  • 00:04:43.283 --> 00:04:45.618
  • I don't think that's--oh, thanks very much.
  • 00:04:45.618 --> 00:04:48.154
  • For just some people, i think--
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  • Cathe: how come you got a nice cup, and i get a paper cup?
  • 00:04:49.689 --> 00:04:51.891
  • Greg: because they want me to stay, and they want you to go.
  • 00:04:51.891 --> 00:04:54.794
  • See, this is like a commitment like be a part of the family.
  • 00:04:54.794 --> 00:04:58.464
  • And with you it's like, "when you're done, please go."
  • 00:04:58.464 --> 00:05:02.735
  • Cathe: can i have your cup, please?
  • 00:05:02.735 --> 00:05:04.537
  • Thank you. that's much nicer.
  • 00:05:04.537 --> 00:05:06.706
  • Yeah, that's hot on the outside.
  • 00:05:06.706 --> 00:05:08.941
  • Greg: i think there's two reasons people don't want to
  • 00:05:08.941 --> 00:05:12.278
  • Ask that question.
  • 00:05:12.278 --> 00:05:13.680
  • Number one, a fear of failure because
  • 00:05:13.680 --> 00:05:15.581
  • No one wants to be rejected.
  • 00:05:15.581 --> 00:05:16.916
  • You know, nobody wants to have the person say,
  • 00:05:16.916 --> 00:05:21.321
  • "i don't want christ.
  • 00:05:21.321 --> 00:05:22.689
  • Why did you ask me this? go away."
  • 00:05:22.689 --> 00:05:24.924
  • It's very awkward, uncomfortable.
  • 00:05:24.924 --> 00:05:26.592
  • So fear of failure, but i also think sometimes it's a fear of
  • 00:05:26.592 --> 00:05:29.896
  • Success because, oh, what if they say yes?
  • 00:05:29.896 --> 00:05:33.366
  • Now, what do i do?
  • 00:05:33.366 --> 00:05:34.734
  • Well, first of all, you have to pray maybe in a public place
  • 00:05:34.734 --> 00:05:37.770
  • Like this or wherever you want 'cause i think when a person
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  • Says they want to accept jesus christ,
  • 00:05:40.239 --> 00:05:42.075
  • Close the deal right there.
  • 00:05:42.075 --> 00:05:43.710
  • Don't say, "oh, go home and close the door and pray."
  • 00:05:43.710 --> 00:05:47.013
  • No, no, no, you do it with them.
  • 00:05:47.013 --> 00:05:49.215
  • You help them to do it, and then you need to be there in
  • 00:05:49.215 --> 00:05:52.051
  • The follow-up process.
  • 00:05:52.051 --> 00:05:53.453
  • But, you know, i think we can think of it like it, you know,
  • 00:05:53.453 --> 00:05:57.590
  • If you ever go and buy a car and you have to deal with a used car
  • 00:05:57.590 --> 00:05:59.892
  • Dealer, it's such a game.
  • 00:05:59.892 --> 00:06:01.594
  • You know, it's like, you know, you're looking at a car and they
  • 00:06:01.594 --> 00:06:04.464
  • Come over, "hey, how are you doing today?"
  • 00:06:04.464 --> 00:06:05.932
  • I'm fine.
  • 00:06:05.932 --> 00:06:07.266
  • And, you know, and until the conversation gets going, and
  • 00:06:07.266 --> 00:06:09.068
  • Then they ask you that question that drives me crazy.
  • 00:06:09.068 --> 00:06:11.637
  • "what do i need to do so you would drive this car
  • 00:06:11.637 --> 00:06:14.941
  • Off the lot right now?"
  • 00:06:14.941 --> 00:06:16.509
  • I say, "don't ask me that."
  • 00:06:16.509 --> 00:06:17.910
  • But, you know, and then you know they're not really being
  • 00:06:17.910 --> 00:06:20.346
  • Straight up a lot of times.
  • 00:06:20.346 --> 00:06:22.248
  • But so it's like, "well, you know, the msrp on this is so
  • 00:06:22.248 --> 00:06:25.251
  • Much, and i gotta go talk to my manager.
  • 00:06:25.251 --> 00:06:27.520
  • And how much would you be willing to pay?"
  • 00:06:27.520 --> 00:06:29.789
  • And you come in with some lowball offer, and then they
  • 00:06:29.789 --> 00:06:31.891
  • Come back and their offer is much higher.
  • 00:06:31.891 --> 00:06:33.993
  • And they gave you the idea that maybe it would be lower.
  • 00:06:33.993 --> 00:06:36.763
  • And it's just this game, it drives you crazy.
  • 00:06:36.763 --> 00:06:38.398
  • So i think we sort of feel like, "i'm the used car dealer."
  • 00:06:38.398 --> 00:06:41.434
  • No, you're not that used car dealer.
  • 00:06:41.434 --> 00:06:43.136
  • You are the person asking the person if they want to change
  • 00:06:43.136 --> 00:06:46.606
  • Their eternal address, and you have to just overcome the
  • 00:06:46.606 --> 00:06:49.342
  • Awkwardness of it for the sake of the objective and then ask
  • 00:06:49.342 --> 00:06:53.146
  • The question, "would you like to--"
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  • Man, this is the fastest service ever.
  • 00:06:54.947 --> 00:06:57.383
  • Cathe: thank you.
  • 00:06:57.383 --> 00:06:58.985
  • Male: can i get you ketchup?
  • 00:06:58.985 --> 00:07:00.453
  • Greg: yeah, can i get ketchup and tabasco, please.
  • 00:07:00.453 --> 00:07:04.290
  • And you know, this is so big i actually will share this.
  • 00:07:04.290 --> 00:07:07.427
  • Thank you.
  • 00:07:07.427 --> 00:07:09.362
  • Cathe: thank you.
  • 00:07:09.362 --> 00:07:10.696
  • Greg: but i think that, you know, we need to ask that
  • 00:07:10.696 --> 00:07:12.698
  • Question and just leave the results in god's hands.
  • 00:07:12.698 --> 00:07:16.035
  • And if the person says, "yes," you do it right there.
  • 00:07:16.035 --> 00:07:19.172
  • You don't wait.
  • 00:07:19.172 --> 00:07:21.340
  • You don't put it off because that's the most--
  • 00:07:21.340 --> 00:07:23.576
  • Cathe: wasn't it dl moody who preached this great sermon once
  • 00:07:23.576 --> 00:07:26.479
  • And then sent people home to think and pray about it?
  • 00:07:26.479 --> 00:07:29.482
  • And then the great chicago fire occurred and so many people
  • 00:07:29.482 --> 00:07:33.586
  • Died, and he said he would never ever send people home without
  • 00:07:33.586 --> 00:07:37.457
  • Giving them an opportunity right then and there to make a
  • 00:07:37.457 --> 00:07:39.992
  • Profession of faith and pray, right?
  • 00:07:39.992 --> 00:07:41.627
  • Greg: that's exactly right.
  • 00:07:41.627 --> 00:07:43.029
  • And because those people died, he said, "i will never ever,
  • 00:07:43.029 --> 00:07:47.200
  • When preaching the gospel, tell people to go home
  • 00:07:47.200 --> 00:07:49.602
  • And think about it.
  • 00:07:49.602 --> 00:07:50.937
  • I will try to lead them to christ right there."
  • 00:07:50.937 --> 00:07:52.672
  • It impacted his life. we should pray.
  • 00:07:52.672 --> 00:07:55.274
  • Lord, thanks for this meal, and we ask you to bless us with our
  • 00:07:55.274 --> 00:07:58.077
  • Bodies and open up doors of opportunity for us to tell
  • 00:07:58.077 --> 00:08:00.847
  • Others about you.
  • 00:08:00.847 --> 00:08:02.748
  • And we ask this in jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:08:02.748 --> 00:08:05.718
  • Here's your section.
  • 00:08:05.718 --> 00:08:07.253
  • This is a large omelet.
  • 00:08:07.253 --> 00:08:08.855
  • Cathe: this is the way we share.
  • 00:08:08.855 --> 00:08:10.189
  • Do this. this is the real deal.
  • 00:08:10.189 --> 00:08:12.091
  • Greg: this is the way we share our food,
  • 00:08:12.091 --> 00:08:13.459
  • Share our food, share our food.
  • 00:08:13.459 --> 00:08:15.461
  • You're taking it?
  • 00:08:15.461 --> 00:08:17.396
  • Cathe: well, you offered me some.
  • 00:08:17.396 --> 00:08:19.065
  • Greg: do you remember that old guy that lived in our
  • 00:08:19.065 --> 00:08:22.068
  • Neighborhood named roy?
  • 00:08:22.068 --> 00:08:23.402
  • Cathe: uh-huh.
  • 00:08:23.402 --> 00:08:24.804
  • Greg: as i recall, someone told me there was a guy in my
  • 00:08:24.804 --> 00:08:27.707
  • Neighborhood that had--was a--what was his problem?
  • 00:08:27.707 --> 00:08:30.810
  • Cathe: he had congestive heart failure.
  • 00:08:30.810 --> 00:08:32.278
  • Greg: oh, thank you very much.
  • 00:08:32.278 --> 00:08:33.613
  • Cathe: thank you.
  • 00:08:33.613 --> 00:08:34.947
  • Greg: that he had congestive heart failure.
  • 00:08:34.947 --> 00:08:37.483
  • So we looked around for him, and i finally met him and just
  • 00:08:37.483 --> 00:08:40.853
  • Engaged him in basic conversation.
  • 00:08:40.853 --> 00:08:42.655
  • And apparently, i think roy had been to
  • 00:08:42.655 --> 00:08:44.924
  • One of our crusades once.
  • 00:08:44.924 --> 00:08:46.259
  • That was sort of the point of reference.
  • 00:08:46.259 --> 00:08:48.094
  • And he had to walk every day for his heart.
  • 00:08:48.094 --> 00:08:49.795
  • We'd seen we'd walk, and he'd walk every day, we'd see him.
  • 00:08:49.795 --> 00:08:51.931
  • Every day we'd stop and we'd have a conversation.
  • 00:08:51.931 --> 00:08:54.166
  • Cathe: well, he would stop.
  • 00:08:54.166 --> 00:08:55.601
  • He would be walking and then he would stop because he had to
  • 00:08:55.601 --> 00:08:58.170
  • Catch his breath 'cause he was completely out of breath.
  • 00:08:58.170 --> 00:09:00.006
  • Greg: he always had questions.
  • 00:09:00.006 --> 00:09:01.440
  • "what about this? what about that?"
  • 00:09:01.440 --> 00:09:03.209
  • And it went on and on and on.
  • 00:09:03.209 --> 00:09:04.810
  • And honestly, i didn't think i was making a lot of progress
  • 00:09:04.810 --> 00:09:06.913
  • With old roy.
  • 00:09:06.913 --> 00:09:08.247
  • And then one day we're sitting in our house,
  • 00:09:08.247 --> 00:09:10.449
  • I think having breakfast.
  • 00:09:10.449 --> 00:09:11.984
  • And i looked through the window, and i saw roy on the corner
  • 00:09:11.984 --> 00:09:15.521
  • Almost like, you know, there he is waiting.
  • 00:09:15.521 --> 00:09:18.090
  • He was catching his breath.
  • 00:09:18.090 --> 00:09:19.725
  • Cathe: right across from our house.
  • 00:09:19.725 --> 00:09:21.260
  • Greg: yeah, i just sensed the lord speaking to me,
  • 00:09:21.260 --> 00:09:23.129
  • "this is roy's day."
  • 00:09:23.129 --> 00:09:24.530
  • So i just walked across the street.
  • 00:09:24.530 --> 00:09:26.766
  • I didn't want to get into any more questions.
  • 00:09:26.766 --> 00:09:28.434
  • I just popped the question.
  • 00:09:28.434 --> 00:09:29.936
  • I said, "roy, would you like to accept jesus christ right now?"
  • 00:09:29.936 --> 00:09:33.172
  • And much to my delight, he said, "yes."
  • 00:09:33.172 --> 00:09:35.908
  • We prayed, and i came home and told you.
  • 00:09:35.908 --> 00:09:38.110
  • And then the next day we saw roy.
  • 00:09:38.110 --> 00:09:40.179
  • Cathe: yeah, walking on the street.
  • 00:09:40.179 --> 00:09:41.514
  • Greg: and what happened?
  • 00:09:41.514 --> 00:09:42.848
  • Cathe: well, he said that he had prayed the prayer and that
  • 00:09:42.848 --> 00:09:45.685
  • He had been thinking about his own suffering because of
  • 00:09:45.685 --> 00:09:48.988
  • His heart condition.
  • 00:09:48.988 --> 00:09:50.389
  • And he was in a lot of pain.
  • 00:09:50.389 --> 00:09:52.224
  • And he would say that he'd thought of jesus on
  • 00:09:52.224 --> 00:09:54.660
  • The cross--whoa.
  • 00:09:54.660 --> 00:09:56.095
  • Because you wonder--
  • 00:09:56.095 --> 00:09:57.630
  • Greg: is that too big of a bite?
  • 00:09:57.630 --> 00:09:59.165
  • Cathe: you want to hear, remember what he said?
  • 00:09:59.165 --> 00:10:02.068
  • Roy said he thought of jesus on the cross and his suffering for
  • 00:10:02.068 --> 00:10:06.272
  • Him, and then it made his suffering bearable.
  • 00:10:06.272 --> 00:10:10.042
  • Greg: well, i remember one more thing he said.
  • 00:10:10.042 --> 00:10:11.978
  • We saw him another day and he said, "i've just been singing
  • 00:10:11.978 --> 00:10:14.647
  • 'jesus loves me', the song i learned as a little boy.
  • 00:10:14.647 --> 00:10:17.917
  • And i was thinking about how much god loved me."
  • 00:10:17.917 --> 00:10:20.453
  • And then a little time went by and we got a knock on our door,
  • 00:10:20.453 --> 00:10:23.222
  • It was his, maybe his son.
  • 00:10:23.222 --> 00:10:27.460
  • And he said, "i wanted to let you know that roy went to be
  • 00:10:27.460 --> 00:10:31.263
  • With the lord today."
  • 00:10:31.263 --> 00:10:32.665
  • But they thanked us for sharing the gospel,
  • 00:10:32.665 --> 00:10:34.800
  • But it was our privilege.
  • 00:10:34.800 --> 00:10:36.168
  • And, you know, and i just think that we need to look
  • 00:10:36.168 --> 00:10:39.605
  • For opportunities to share the gospel.
  • 00:10:39.605 --> 00:10:42.008
  • We need to be open to the leading of the spirit.
  • 00:10:42.008 --> 00:10:45.478
  • Maybe you'll fail, meaning they may say no, but the chances are
  • 00:10:45.478 --> 00:10:49.448
  • They could say yes as well, and then you effectively
  • 00:10:49.448 --> 00:10:52.718
  • Close the deal.
  • 00:10:52.718 --> 00:10:54.787
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:10:54.787 --> 00:10:59.792
  • Greg: jesus says, "go unto all the world
  • 00:11:00.793 --> 00:11:03.195
  • And preach the gospel."
  • 00:11:03.195 --> 00:11:05.798
  • We're commanded by jesus to fulfill the great commission.
  • 00:11:05.798 --> 00:11:08.668
  • It's not a suggestion.
  • 00:11:08.668 --> 00:11:10.002
  • Listen, the moment you became a christian,
  • 00:11:10.002 --> 00:11:12.505
  • You entered the lord's military.
  • 00:11:12.505 --> 00:11:16.342
  • Your co, your commanding officer
  • 00:11:16.342 --> 00:11:19.679
  • Has given you a direct order, son, daughter.
  • 00:11:19.679 --> 00:11:23.649
  • "go", it's actually a command in the greek.
  • 00:11:23.649 --> 00:11:25.818
  • "go into all the world and preach the gospel."
  • 00:11:25.818 --> 00:11:28.521
  • So, you either say, "yes, sir," or you say, "no, sir."
  • 00:11:28.521 --> 00:11:34.060
  • What are you going to do? you're commanded.
  • 00:11:35.027 --> 00:11:37.029
  • We must do this.
  • 00:11:37.029 --> 00:11:38.431
  • Now, what is the great commission?
  • 00:11:38.431 --> 00:11:39.932
  • Again, it's to preach the gospel
  • 00:11:39.932 --> 00:11:41.333
  • And it's to make disciples.
  • 00:11:41.333 --> 00:11:43.135
  • What does that mean?
  • 00:11:43.135 --> 00:11:44.704
  • It means to the best of our ability,
  • 00:11:44.704 --> 00:11:46.439
  • Led by the holy spirit,
  • 00:11:46.439 --> 00:11:48.474
  • We seek to bring people to jesus christ, get them up
  • 00:11:48.474 --> 00:11:52.244
  • On their feet spiritually, and then go and do it again.
  • 00:11:52.244 --> 00:11:55.881
  • And go and do it again, and go and do it again.
  • 00:11:55.881 --> 00:11:58.350
  • And let me ask you this, when is the last time you did that?
  • 00:11:58.350 --> 00:12:00.886
  • When's the last time you engaged someone?
  • 00:12:00.886 --> 00:12:03.222
  • I believe it can energize you and help you, as well as it can
  • 00:12:03.222 --> 00:12:08.227
  • Help the person you're ministering to.
  • 00:12:08.227 --> 00:12:11.864
  • I would compare it to going to disneyland with adults or kids.
  • 00:12:11.864 --> 00:12:17.369
  • It's a drag to go to disneyland with adults 'cause they complain
  • 00:12:17.369 --> 00:12:21.440
  • So much, and i would include myself in this.
  • 00:12:21.440 --> 00:12:24.810
  • First thing we say is, "so stinkin' expensive.
  • 00:12:24.810 --> 00:12:28.581
  • What is it like 1,000 bucks to get in the park now?
  • 00:12:28.581 --> 00:12:31.183
  • I mean, it's crazy."
  • 00:12:31.183 --> 00:12:34.353
  • So we gripe about that, then we walk in the park and, "oh, they
  • 00:12:34.353 --> 00:12:37.556
  • Have a place to eat here?
  • 00:12:37.556 --> 00:12:38.991
  • Where's a good restaurant?"
  • 00:12:38.991 --> 00:12:40.493
  • So then we go and eat.
  • 00:12:40.493 --> 00:12:41.994
  • And what happens after that?
  • 00:12:41.994 --> 00:12:43.362
  • We're sleepy.
  • 00:12:43.362 --> 00:12:44.764
  • So we're saying, "i know there's adventure land?
  • 00:12:44.764 --> 00:12:46.766
  • Is there nap land here somewhere?"
  • 00:12:46.766 --> 00:12:48.968
  • Yeah, that's a problem.
  • 00:12:48.968 --> 00:12:50.836
  • And then we go on a ride, "that's so fake.
  • 00:12:50.836 --> 00:12:52.338
  • That doesn't look real at all."
  • 00:12:52.338 --> 00:12:55.141
  • We just complain the whole time.
  • 00:12:55.141 --> 00:12:57.810
  • You know, it was a lot better when walt was still around.
  • 00:12:57.810 --> 00:13:02.481
  • That's going to disneyland with an adult.
  • 00:13:02.481 --> 00:13:04.517
  • The happiest time for a kid going to disneyland
  • 00:13:04.517 --> 00:13:06.952
  • Is when you walk in.
  • 00:13:06.952 --> 00:13:08.654
  • The happiest time for an adult at disneyland is leaving.
  • 00:13:08.654 --> 00:13:13.159
  • Now, take a kid with you, a child.
  • 00:13:13.159 --> 00:13:15.427
  • See it through their eyes.
  • 00:13:15.427 --> 00:13:17.062
  • It really is, as the song says, a whole new world.
  • 00:13:17.062 --> 00:13:20.699
  • It's a magical place in the best sense of that word.
  • 00:13:20.699 --> 00:13:23.569
  • They love it.
  • 00:13:23.569 --> 00:13:25.304
  • They're enjoying it.
  • 00:13:25.304 --> 00:13:26.839
  • That's why you should take a child because, you know, you're
  • 00:13:26.839 --> 00:13:29.575
  • Standing in line for a ride now.
  • 00:13:29.575 --> 00:13:31.744
  • And they have these little signs, "if you're at this place
  • 00:13:31.744 --> 00:13:33.879
  • In the line, you will be on the right in one month."
  • 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:36.448
  • It's like, did you have to tell me that?
  • 00:13:36.448 --> 00:13:38.551
  • I was happier when i didn't know.
  • 00:13:38.551 --> 00:13:41.220
  • But children, they don't care. they love the rides.
  • 00:13:41.220 --> 00:13:43.489
  • They love the whole experience,
  • 00:13:43.489 --> 00:13:45.191
  • And this can be true of church as well.
  • 00:13:45.191 --> 00:13:47.193
  • For those that have known the lord for a while,
  • 00:13:47.193 --> 00:13:49.128
  • We become a little jaded.
  • 00:13:49.128 --> 00:13:51.063
  • We take things for granted.
  • 00:13:51.063 --> 00:13:53.098
  • We start complaining about everything.
  • 00:13:53.098 --> 00:13:55.267
  • "the music's too loud."
  • 00:13:55.267 --> 00:13:56.869
  • "the music's not loud enough."
  • 00:13:56.869 --> 00:13:59.271
  • "it's too hot." "it's too cold."
  • 00:13:59.271 --> 00:14:01.340
  • "it's too big." "it's too small."
  • 00:14:01.340 --> 00:14:04.643
  • "it's too something." and on and on we go.
  • 00:14:04.643 --> 00:14:07.012
  • And then if that preacher would dare to add an invitation for
  • 00:14:07.012 --> 00:14:10.916
  • People to come to christ at the conclusion of his message, we
  • 00:14:10.916 --> 00:14:14.353
  • See that as an affront because he says, "now, there might be
  • 00:14:14.353 --> 00:14:18.791
  • Some of you here that don't know jesus today."
  • 00:14:18.791 --> 00:14:20.893
  • You're thinking, "what is he doing?
  • 00:14:20.893 --> 00:14:22.528
  • This is gonna take longer, and i want to go to lunch."
  • 00:14:22.528 --> 00:14:26.265
  • And i've had people, while i'm inviting people to christ,
  • 00:14:26.265 --> 00:14:28.868
  • Get up out of their seat and walk out.
  • 00:14:28.868 --> 00:14:31.103
  • To me, that is so insensitive.
  • 00:14:31.103 --> 00:14:34.240
  • How could we be so out of sync with heaven?
  • 00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:37.843
  • Heaven is waiting with bated breath for someone to believe so
  • 00:14:37.843 --> 00:14:41.146
  • We can have a victory shout and break out in applause, and we,
  • 00:14:41.146 --> 00:14:45.351
  • Well, we just want lunch.
  • 00:14:45.351 --> 00:14:47.786
  • We just want the service to end.
  • 00:14:47.786 --> 00:14:49.989
  • Now, i'm gonna tell you how it will change.
  • 00:14:49.989 --> 00:14:52.591
  • Bring a nonbeliever or a new believer with you to church
  • 00:14:52.591 --> 00:14:56.962
  • Next sunday.
  • 00:14:56.962 --> 00:14:58.364
  • Everything's different.
  • 00:14:58.364 --> 00:15:00.165
  • You ever noticed when you bring a visitor to the church, how you
  • 00:15:00.165 --> 00:15:02.735
  • Look at everything in a different way 'cause you look at
  • 00:15:02.735 --> 00:15:05.104
  • It through their eyes?
  • 00:15:05.104 --> 00:15:06.705
  • So while the worship's happening, you're kind of
  • 00:15:06.705 --> 00:15:08.607
  • Looking at them sideways.
  • 00:15:08.607 --> 00:15:11.877
  • "are they liking this?"
  • 00:15:11.877 --> 00:15:14.346
  • Then maybe if i get up to speak, you're thinking, you're praying,
  • 00:15:14.346 --> 00:15:17.283
  • "god, don't let greg tell that lame joke again.
  • 00:15:17.283 --> 00:15:19.818
  • Lord, help him, he's so weird.
  • 00:15:19.818 --> 00:15:22.521
  • Lord--" or are those my thoughts?
  • 00:15:22.521 --> 00:15:25.157
  • I don't know, my prayers.
  • 00:15:25.157 --> 00:15:28.327
  • But then you're praying, "lord, have him give an invitation.
  • 00:15:28.327 --> 00:15:33.432
  • Lord, speak to them.
  • 00:15:33.432 --> 00:15:34.967
  • Show greg or the pastor to give that invitation."
  • 00:15:34.967 --> 00:15:37.336
  • And then when the pastor says, "now, if you don't know
  • 00:15:37.336 --> 00:15:39.939
  • Jesus christ, here's what you need to do," yes.
  • 00:15:39.939 --> 00:15:42.841
  • And you're praying for that person and then that person that
  • 00:15:42.841 --> 00:15:45.377
  • You brought, if they respond to that invitation and they receive
  • 00:15:45.377 --> 00:15:48.514
  • Christ, what a joyful day that is.
  • 00:15:48.514 --> 00:15:51.317
  • You see how everything can change when you get a
  • 00:15:51.317 --> 00:15:53.585
  • Nonbeliever or a new believer in your life?
  • 00:15:53.585 --> 00:15:56.188
  • Listen, this is the command by the lord.
  • 00:15:56.188 --> 00:15:58.090
  • Don't think of this as a mere duty.
  • 00:15:58.090 --> 00:15:59.992
  • Don't think of this as drudgery.
  • 00:15:59.992 --> 00:16:01.827
  • Think of this as a privilege.
  • 00:16:01.827 --> 00:16:03.595
  • Think of this as a joy.
  • 00:16:03.595 --> 00:16:05.264
  • Think of this as the greatest opportunity, the greatest
  • 00:16:05.264 --> 00:16:08.534
  • Adventure ever to share the gospel.
  • 00:16:08.534 --> 00:16:12.705
  • Let me say one last thing.
  • 00:16:12.705 --> 00:16:14.540
  • To not do this can be hazardous to your spiritual health.
  • 00:16:14.540 --> 00:16:19.979
  • You show me a church that doesn't have a constant flow of
  • 00:16:19.979 --> 00:16:23.115
  • New believers coming in, and i'll show you a church
  • 00:16:23.115 --> 00:16:25.784
  • That is stagnating.
  • 00:16:25.784 --> 00:16:27.786
  • The church has a choice before us.
  • 00:16:27.786 --> 00:16:29.955
  • We can evangelize or we can fossilize.
  • 00:16:29.955 --> 00:16:34.059
  • And you have a choice before you.
  • 00:16:34.059 --> 00:16:35.761
  • You could seek to reach people with the gospel and not be
  • 00:16:35.761 --> 00:16:38.797
  • A hoarder, but share with them the truth,
  • 00:16:38.797 --> 00:16:43.135
  • And you can be blessed beyond measure.
  • 00:16:43.135 --> 00:16:46.271
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:16:46.271 --> 00:16:52.945
  • Greg: here's the one thing we want to remember.
  • 00:16:52.945 --> 00:16:54.513
  • The gospel is not given to us to be hoarded,
  • 00:16:54.513 --> 00:16:56.849
  • It's given to us to be shared.
  • 00:16:56.849 --> 00:16:58.617
  • Let's say i'm the nonbeliever, tell me what you would say.
  • 00:16:58.617 --> 00:17:01.720
  • Cathe: well, i would say that we're all born in a state where
  • 00:17:01.720 --> 00:17:04.656
  • We're separated from god by our sins, sins that we know about,
  • 00:17:04.656 --> 00:17:07.960
  • Sins that we don't even know about, and that our
  • 00:17:07.960 --> 00:17:10.562
  • Communication with god is blocked, and that he has come
  • 00:17:10.562 --> 00:17:14.099
  • Into this world, revealed himself to us
  • 00:17:14.099 --> 00:17:17.002
  • In his son jesus christ who died on the cross.
  • 00:17:17.002 --> 00:17:19.838
  • And what the purpose of his death and resurrection was, was
  • 00:17:19.838 --> 00:17:22.775
  • To provide a way for us to come back into a relationship and in
  • 00:17:22.775 --> 00:17:26.945
  • Harmony with god who created us and loves us.
  • 00:17:26.945 --> 00:17:31.450
  • But we are separated by our sins.
  • 00:17:31.450 --> 00:17:33.419
  • So i think it's really important that a person understands that
  • 00:17:33.419 --> 00:17:36.555
  • They need to acknowledge that they're a sinner, and that they
  • 00:17:36.555 --> 00:17:39.024
  • Are sorry for their sins.
  • 00:17:39.024 --> 00:17:41.093
  • Greg: why is that important?
  • 00:17:41.093 --> 00:17:42.561
  • Cathe: well, i think that, you know, if you don't make that
  • 00:17:42.561 --> 00:17:45.798
  • Clear that your life is in peril, that you cannot make your
  • 00:17:45.798 --> 00:17:49.034
  • Way to god by--
  • 00:17:49.034 --> 00:17:50.502
  • Greg: jesus is not just an additive to your life.
  • 00:17:50.502 --> 00:17:52.304
  • Cathe: and you can't reach him by your own trying to be
  • 00:17:52.304 --> 00:17:54.873
  • Better or doing good works, that your sins will be a permanent
  • 00:17:54.873 --> 00:17:58.677
  • Blockade unless you acknowledge that jesus has died and paid for
  • 00:17:58.677 --> 00:18:02.948
  • Those on the cross.
  • 00:18:02.948 --> 00:18:04.516
  • So you explain that to them and that they can, by simply
  • 00:18:04.516 --> 00:18:07.820
  • Receiving the gift of forgiveness.
  • 00:18:07.820 --> 00:18:10.322
  • We never could deserve it.
  • 00:18:10.322 --> 00:18:11.957
  • We can never purchase it or earn it,
  • 00:18:11.957 --> 00:18:14.226
  • But that it's offered to us as a gift.
  • 00:18:14.226 --> 00:18:16.195
  • So they see themselves as a sinner separated from god by
  • 00:18:16.195 --> 00:18:19.264
  • Their sins, but that they can receive that gift of forgiveness
  • 00:18:19.264 --> 00:18:22.734
  • And eternal life and harmony and fellowship with god.
  • 00:18:22.734 --> 00:18:25.571
  • Greg: that's right.
  • 00:18:25.571 --> 00:18:27.139
  • So that's when you close the deal.
  • 00:18:27.139 --> 00:18:28.607
  • And here's what i would suggest is you
  • 00:18:28.607 --> 00:18:30.609
  • Say, "well, let's pray right now."
  • 00:18:30.609 --> 00:18:32.377
  • And usually the reaction of a person is, "here?"
  • 00:18:32.377 --> 00:18:35.013
  • Yes, right here.
  • 00:18:35.013 --> 00:18:36.348
  • And, you know, i don't do it in an ostentatious way.
  • 00:18:36.348 --> 00:18:38.784
  • But if i was like in a restaurant like this and cathe
  • 00:18:38.784 --> 00:18:41.320
  • Was that person, i'd say, "just pray this prayer with me."
  • 00:18:41.320 --> 00:18:44.289
  • And i would just like lead her quietly in it, or i might take
  • 00:18:44.289 --> 00:18:47.726
  • Her outside, you know, away from people.
  • 00:18:47.726 --> 00:18:50.195
  • But i would lead that person in a prayer.
  • 00:18:50.195 --> 00:18:52.698
  • Here's just like sort of a sample of a prayer
  • 00:18:52.698 --> 00:18:55.134
  • I might lead them in.
  • 00:18:55.134 --> 00:18:56.568
  • I don't have a scripted prayer, but it would be something along
  • 00:18:56.568 --> 00:18:58.737
  • The lines of, "god, i'm sorry for my sin.
  • 00:18:58.737 --> 00:19:02.875
  • I know that i've broken your commandments.
  • 00:19:02.875 --> 00:19:04.877
  • I know i've fallen short of your standards.
  • 00:19:04.877 --> 00:19:07.713
  • And i believe that jesus christ, your son, died on the cross and
  • 00:19:07.713 --> 00:19:11.717
  • Shed his blood for me and rose again from the dead.
  • 00:19:11.717 --> 00:19:14.253
  • And jesus, i ask you to come into my life and be
  • 00:19:14.253 --> 00:19:17.322
  • My savior and be my lord."
  • 00:19:17.322 --> 00:19:19.057
  • And i'll often pray it and have them repeat it after me.
  • 00:19:19.057 --> 00:19:22.294
  • You don't have to do this,
  • 00:19:22.294 --> 00:19:23.629
  • But i'll pray it and have them repeat it.
  • 00:19:23.629 --> 00:19:25.864
  • And "thank you for loving me and calling me and accepting me
  • 00:19:25.864 --> 00:19:29.902
  • In jesus's name."
  • 00:19:29.902 --> 00:19:31.236
  • Now, here's the thing, can you imagine delivering a baby in
  • 00:19:31.236 --> 00:19:35.340
  • A hospital and then just saying, "okay, son or daughter,
  • 00:19:35.340 --> 00:19:39.344
  • Here's a box of pampers.
  • 00:19:39.344 --> 00:19:41.046
  • It's a rough world out there.
  • 00:19:41.046 --> 00:19:42.481
  • Hang in there.
  • 00:19:42.481 --> 00:19:43.982
  • Hope you make it." well, no.
  • 00:19:43.982 --> 00:19:46.585
  • Babies need to be taken care of.
  • 00:19:46.585 --> 00:19:48.153
  • They need to be nursed. they need to be changed.
  • 00:19:48.153 --> 00:19:50.455
  • They need to be nurtured. they need to be loved.
  • 00:19:50.455 --> 00:19:52.958
  • And when you lead a person to christ, they're a baby christian
  • 00:19:52.958 --> 00:19:55.627
  • And they need follow-up.
  • 00:19:55.627 --> 00:19:57.029
  • And i'm so thankful there was a guy that did this for me
  • 00:19:57.029 --> 00:19:58.997
  • Named mark.
  • 00:19:58.997 --> 00:20:00.332
  • I didn't even know this guy from adam's house cat.
  • 00:20:00.332 --> 00:20:02.701
  • Do you think adam had a house cat?
  • 00:20:02.701 --> 00:20:04.536
  • Cathe: no.
  • 00:20:04.536 --> 00:20:05.904
  • Greg: yeah, so he comes up to me after i prayed and accepted
  • 00:20:05.904 --> 00:20:09.274
  • Christ on my high school campus.
  • 00:20:09.274 --> 00:20:10.609
  • He says, "hi, my name is mark."
  • 00:20:10.609 --> 00:20:11.977
  • Hi mark, nice to meet you."
  • 00:20:11.977 --> 00:20:13.645
  • Says, "yeah, i want you to come to church with me."
  • 00:20:13.645 --> 00:20:15.714
  • And i actually said, "no, that's okay."
  • 00:20:15.714 --> 00:20:17.549
  • And he said, "no, you need to come to church with me."
  • 00:20:17.549 --> 00:20:19.885
  • And again, i said, "i really don't want to."
  • 00:20:19.885 --> 00:20:21.853
  • And he said, "okay, so what's your address?
  • 00:20:21.853 --> 00:20:23.889
  • And i'm gonna pick you--"
  • 00:20:23.889 --> 00:20:25.557
  • He wasn't gonna take no for an answer.
  • 00:20:25.557 --> 00:20:27.459
  • So he picked me up, he took me to church.
  • 00:20:27.459 --> 00:20:30.195
  • He introduced me to other christians.
  • 00:20:30.195 --> 00:20:32.397
  • He took me home.
  • 00:20:32.397 --> 00:20:33.999
  • He lived with his parents.
  • 00:20:33.999 --> 00:20:35.467
  • We were just kids.
  • 00:20:35.467 --> 00:20:36.969
  • And i remember sitting around the table after a great meal
  • 00:20:36.969 --> 00:20:39.571
  • And talking about the bible.
  • 00:20:39.571 --> 00:20:42.140
  • And they weren't--he was following up on me.
  • 00:20:42.140 --> 00:20:44.276
  • And, you know, that happened for the apostle paul.
  • 00:20:44.276 --> 00:20:46.445
  • Remember, he was saul of tarsus, the notorious christian killer.
  • 00:20:46.445 --> 00:20:51.984
  • He's converted on the damascus road.
  • 00:20:51.984 --> 00:20:55.187
  • And god speaks to a guy named ananias and says,
  • 00:20:55.187 --> 00:20:58.290
  • "go to saul and pray for him."
  • 00:20:58.290 --> 00:21:01.059
  • And ananias effectively says, "lord, don't you know how
  • 00:21:01.059 --> 00:21:04.129
  • Notorious of a sinner he is?"
  • 00:21:04.129 --> 00:21:07.532
  • And the lord says, "no, go to him.
  • 00:21:07.532 --> 00:21:09.668
  • He's praying."
  • 00:21:09.668 --> 00:21:11.403
  • And sure enough, ananias shows up and sees saul who had
  • 00:21:11.403 --> 00:21:15.040
  • Like scales on his eyes after his conversion.
  • 00:21:15.040 --> 00:21:17.676
  • And he went to him and said, "brother saul, your sight is
  • 00:21:17.676 --> 00:21:21.647
  • Given back to you."
  • 00:21:21.647 --> 00:21:23.115
  • Then ananias helped saul get on his feet spiritually.
  • 00:21:23.115 --> 00:21:26.318
  • And then enter another person named barnabas who comes
  • 00:21:26.318 --> 00:21:29.888
  • A little bit later.
  • 00:21:29.888 --> 00:21:31.323
  • And interestingly, the name barnabas means
  • 00:21:31.323 --> 00:21:33.258
  • The son of consolation.
  • 00:21:33.258 --> 00:21:34.893
  • And so he is there to encourage paul.
  • 00:21:34.893 --> 00:21:38.697
  • And then paul goes on to become, you know, next to jesus,
  • 00:21:38.697 --> 00:21:41.833
  • The greatest preacher of the bible.
  • 00:21:41.833 --> 00:21:45.003
  • And so here's the point, you may not be paul,
  • 00:21:45.003 --> 00:21:48.106
  • But you may be an ananias.
  • 00:21:48.106 --> 00:21:50.709
  • You know, you may be the barnabas
  • 00:21:50.709 --> 00:21:53.645
  • In somebody else's life.
  • 00:21:53.645 --> 00:21:55.180
  • Everybody needs an encourager,
  • 00:21:55.180 --> 00:21:57.015
  • Someone to show them how to do it.
  • 00:21:57.015 --> 00:21:59.084
  • You know, the preacher can only do so much.
  • 00:21:59.084 --> 00:22:01.553
  • But i think what new christians need to see is a real living,
  • 00:22:01.553 --> 00:22:05.424
  • Breathing christian showing them how to live this christian life.
  • 00:22:05.424 --> 00:22:08.660
  • "hey, let's go out and eat.
  • 00:22:08.660 --> 00:22:10.095
  • This is how christians go out and hang out.
  • 00:22:10.095 --> 00:22:12.197
  • Hey, let's go to a movie. let's go do this.
  • 00:22:12.197 --> 00:22:14.833
  • Let's go to church, of course," and all the other things.
  • 00:22:14.833 --> 00:22:17.269
  • But i think not just going to church, but regular life like
  • 00:22:17.269 --> 00:22:20.272
  • This is how christians function, you know?
  • 00:22:20.272 --> 00:22:23.208
  • And you show them what it is to be a follower of jesus christ.
  • 00:22:23.208 --> 00:22:27.579
  • This is the great commission.
  • 00:22:27.579 --> 00:22:29.981
  • It's to go into all the world and preach the gospel.
  • 00:22:29.981 --> 00:22:33.352
  • That's mark's version.
  • 00:22:33.352 --> 00:22:35.253
  • In matthew's version it's make disciples.
  • 00:22:35.253 --> 00:22:38.490
  • And put it all together.
  • 00:22:38.490 --> 00:22:39.891
  • Our command from christ is to go out, share our faith with people
  • 00:22:39.891 --> 00:22:45.230
  • To the best of our ability led by the holy spirit, lead people
  • 00:22:45.230 --> 00:22:48.533
  • To christ, then get them up on their feet spiritually, and then
  • 00:22:48.533 --> 00:22:52.637
  • Go and do it again and go and do it again.
  • 00:22:52.637 --> 00:22:54.806
  • And encourage the people you lead to the lord
  • 00:22:54.806 --> 00:22:57.242
  • To go and do it as well.
  • 00:22:57.242 --> 00:22:58.610
  • That's what it is to make disciples.
  • 00:22:58.610 --> 00:23:00.545
  • So i hope that all of you now will take these principles that
  • 00:23:00.545 --> 00:23:04.249
  • Have been shared with you through this film series and
  • 00:23:04.249 --> 00:23:07.753
  • Put them into practice.
  • 00:23:07.753 --> 00:23:09.087
  • Here's your mission.
  • 00:23:09.087 --> 00:23:10.989
  • Here's your command from christ.
  • 00:23:10.989 --> 00:23:12.557
  • Go into this world and share his gospel.
  • 00:23:12.557 --> 00:23:15.160
  • Go tell someone.
  • 00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:17.529
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:23:18.530 --> 00:23:21.600
  • Greg: so the mission is clear.
  • 00:23:21.600 --> 00:23:23.702
  • We're commanded to go into all the world and preach the gospel,
  • 00:23:23.702 --> 00:23:27.139
  • To share the good news anytime, anywhere.
  • 00:23:27.139 --> 00:23:30.909
  • So go to your family, go to your neighborhood, go to your
  • 00:23:30.909 --> 00:23:35.013
  • Workplace, go to your sphere of influence, go and tell someone.
  • 00:23:35.013 --> 00:23:42.354
  • Greg: maybe god has spoken
  • 00:23:45.957 --> 00:23:47.292
  • To your heart and you have seen your need for jesus christ.
  • 00:23:47.292 --> 00:23:52.431
  • Jesus christ is the son of god who came from heaven
  • 00:23:52.431 --> 00:23:56.334
  • To this earth.
  • 00:23:56.334 --> 00:23:57.669
  • He was born in a manger.
  • 00:23:57.669 --> 00:23:59.371
  • He died on a cross.
  • 00:23:59.371 --> 00:24:01.339
  • He rose again from the dead, why?
  • 00:24:01.339 --> 00:24:03.442
  • Because he loves you, and he wants a relationship with you.
  • 00:24:03.442 --> 00:24:06.711
  • Listen, i'm not talking about religion.
  • 00:24:06.711 --> 00:24:09.047
  • I don't want to be a religious person.
  • 00:24:09.047 --> 00:24:11.149
  • I don't think you want to be one either.
  • 00:24:11.149 --> 00:24:12.951
  • I'm talking about relationship with god.
  • 00:24:12.951 --> 00:24:16.354
  • Jesus, who died and rose again, stands at the door of your life
  • 00:24:16.354 --> 00:24:21.026
  • And he knocks and he says if you'll hear his voice and open
  • 00:24:21.026 --> 00:24:24.396
  • The door, he will come in.
  • 00:24:24.396 --> 00:24:26.064
  • Question, have you asked jesus christ to come
  • 00:24:26.064 --> 00:24:28.700
  • And live inside of you?
  • 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:30.335
  • You might say, "well, i think so.
  • 00:24:30.335 --> 00:24:31.670
  • I'm not sure."
  • 00:24:31.670 --> 00:24:33.071
  • Hey, if someone moved into your house in the middle of
  • 00:24:33.071 --> 00:24:34.906
  • The night, do you think you would be aware of it?
  • 00:24:34.906 --> 00:24:37.375
  • I'm sure you would.
  • 00:24:37.375 --> 00:24:38.944
  • And in the same way, if christ has come to live inside of you,
  • 00:24:38.944 --> 00:24:41.980
  • You will know.
  • 00:24:41.980 --> 00:24:43.381
  • And if you don't know, maybe he has not come in yet.
  • 00:24:43.381 --> 00:24:46.751
  • He's just a prayer away.
  • 00:24:46.751 --> 00:24:48.553
  • All you need to do is say, "jesus,
  • 00:24:48.553 --> 00:24:50.722
  • I want this relationship with you.
  • 00:24:50.722 --> 00:24:52.891
  • I want you to forgive me of my sin.
  • 00:24:52.891 --> 00:24:54.926
  • I want to go to heaven when i die."
  • 00:24:54.926 --> 00:24:56.928
  • Would you like to do that?
  • 00:24:56.928 --> 00:24:58.663
  • Would you like christ to come into your life?
  • 00:24:58.663 --> 00:25:00.799
  • If so, why don't you just pray this simple prayer with me?
  • 00:25:00.799 --> 00:25:04.202
  • You can pray it out loud or you can pray it in the quietness of
  • 00:25:04.202 --> 00:25:07.639
  • Your heart, but this is a prayer where you're asking jesus christ
  • 00:25:07.639 --> 00:25:11.443
  • To be your savior and lord.
  • 00:25:11.443 --> 00:25:13.345
  • Pray this with me now.
  • 00:25:13.345 --> 00:25:14.813
  • "lord jesus, i know that i'm a sinner, but i know that
  • 00:25:14.813 --> 00:25:18.917
  • You're the savior who died on the cross for my sin
  • 00:25:18.917 --> 00:25:23.088
  • And rose again from the dead.
  • 00:25:23.088 --> 00:25:24.689
  • Now come into my life.
  • 00:25:24.689 --> 00:25:27.225
  • I choose to follow you from this moment forward.
  • 00:25:27.225 --> 00:25:31.396
  • Thank you for hearing this prayer
  • 00:25:31.396 --> 00:25:33.598
  • And answering this prayer.
  • 00:25:33.598 --> 00:25:35.500
  • In jesus's name, amen."
  • 00:25:35.500 --> 00:25:38.603
  • Did you just pray that prayer with me?
  • 00:25:38.670 --> 00:25:40.672
  • If so, i want you to know in the authority of scripture that
  • 00:25:40.672 --> 00:25:43.842
  • Christ himself has come to live inside of you.
  • 00:25:43.842 --> 00:25:47.012
  • And i would love to send to you,
  • 00:25:47.012 --> 00:25:48.513
  • At no charge, something called,
  • 00:25:48.513 --> 00:25:50.448
  • "the new believer's bible."
  • 00:25:50.448 --> 00:25:52.450
  • It's a very friendly translation of the new testament, you'll
  • 00:25:52.450 --> 00:25:55.654
  • Find very understandable.
  • 00:25:55.654 --> 00:25:57.689
  • And it's filled with hundreds of notes that i wrote
  • 00:25:57.689 --> 00:26:00.492
  • That will encourage you in this commitment you've just made
  • 00:26:00.492 --> 00:26:03.361
  • To follow jesus.
  • 00:26:03.361 --> 00:26:05.030
  • Let me send that to you at no charge.
  • 00:26:05.030 --> 00:26:07.499
  • And let me be the first to say
  • 00:26:07.499 --> 00:26:08.967
  • To you, congratulations
  • 00:26:08.967 --> 00:26:11.102
  • And welcome to the family of god.
  • 00:26:11.102 --> 00:26:13.838
  • Female announcer: jesus says that "where two or three are
  • 00:26:16.541 --> 00:26:19.210
  • Gathered in my name, there i am in the midst of them."
  • 00:26:19.210 --> 00:26:23.315
  • We are all different.
  • 00:26:23.315 --> 00:26:24.716
  • We have different interests, different personalities,
  • 00:26:24.716 --> 00:26:27.852
  • Different upbringings, and different ways we do life.
  • 00:26:27.852 --> 00:26:31.623
  • But here we have a deep connection and you are
  • 00:26:31.623 --> 00:26:37.395
  • Welcome here.
  • 00:26:37.395 --> 00:26:39.431
  • This is harvest.
  • 00:26:39.431 --> 00:26:42.834
  • Greg: greg laurie here.
  • 00:26:46.371 --> 00:26:47.706
  • You know, at harvest ministries, we're committing to reaching
  • 00:26:47.706 --> 00:26:50.308
  • Unexpected people in unexpected places with an
  • 00:26:50.308 --> 00:26:53.712
  • Unexpected message.
  • 00:26:53.712 --> 00:26:55.380
  • And thanks to your financial support, we've been able to
  • 00:26:55.380 --> 00:26:59.651
  • Touch people all over the world with the hope of jesus christ.
  • 00:26:59.651 --> 00:27:04.222
  • Your gifts today not only help us reach millions across the
  • 00:27:04.222 --> 00:27:07.726
  • Country through this television program.
  • 00:27:07.726 --> 00:27:10.528
  • And also, your support has helped us partner to bring
  • 00:27:10.528 --> 00:27:13.932
  • Medical help in the ongoing conflict in israel.
  • 00:27:13.932 --> 00:27:17.268
  • So i'm asking you today to continue to support this
  • 00:27:17.268 --> 00:27:20.372
  • Ministry so we can do everything possible to fulfill the
  • 00:27:20.372 --> 00:27:24.709
  • Great commission.
  • 00:27:24.709 --> 00:27:26.311
  • Let's do this together, and let me say in advance,
  • 00:27:26.311 --> 00:27:29.214
  • Thank you and god bless you.
  • 00:27:29.214 --> 00:27:29.214